The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is targeting furniture manufacturers to raise awareness of the health risks associated with woodworking.
HSE inspectors will be visiting furniture manufacturers in the coming weeks to address the main health and safety risks to employees working in woodworking, including control of dust, manual handling and slips and trips in the workplace. Employers will also be given advice on buying secondhand equipment.
HSE inspector, Graham Watson, said: "Furniture manufacturing in the North East has an accident rate four times higher than in general manufacturing, with each accident costing an estimated £5,500.
"Breathing in harmful wood dust can cause asthma and even cancer. Taking simple steps, and installing suitable extraction, can control dust exposure, which in turn will protect employers and their workers provided it is used correctly and is adequately maintained."
"There are lots of bargains to be had at auctions. If you look around you will find that woodworking machinery can even be bought on internet auction sites at what look like knock-down prices. If you are tempted to bid for a 'bargain' machine at an auction sale or on the internet be very careful. What you think is going to be a cheap deal could turn out to be very expensive indeed. You might have to fit extra guards or braking.
"Before you can use the machine you have to be sure it is safe and complies with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 1998). You owe it to yourself and your employees to get this right.
"If an inspector visits and finds a machine that doesn't comply, you could be faced with a notice that stops you using it until it is put right or ultimately, with prosecution for using unsafe and illegal equipment."
FIRA runs regular training courses on health and safety, the next of which is on 30 September - click here for details.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is targeting furniture manufacturers to raise awareness of the health risks associated with woodworking.